Hong Kong (26 February 2010) - An innovative interface device for Polycom room telepresence systems that allows users to control all aspects of their experience using a touch-screen that will be instantly familiar to millions of electronic device users. By simplifying how users find colleagues, place calls, share content and access advanced features, the Polycom Touch Control shortens the learning curve for new users and facilitates broader adoption of visual communication which helps organizations drive faster return on investment and greater productivity.

Ira Weinstein, analyst and partner at Wainhouse Research said, "The Polycom Touch Control addresses a long-standing issue within the conferencing industry - the inadequacy of the handheld remote control." Polycom was able to create a flexible, configurable remote suitable for users of every level.

Dramatically Simpler User Experience - For Causal and Power Users
The Polycom Touch Control's seven-inch colour screen allows causal and power users to easily navigate key functions from basic dialling and content sharing, to advanced features using finger gestures to touch and slide universally recognisable icons and navigate intuitive arrows and tabs. The graphical interface makes it easy for users to locate contacts and dial video calls using a corporate directory, local address book, or presence-enabled contact list.

The Touch Control also makes it easy to share content during a video call or to present content using the room's audio/visual systems during a non-video meeting. Multiple content sharing methods are available with Touch Control to allow users to quickly and easily share content using the integrated USB ports.

Powerful Unified Communications Integration
The flexible Polycom Touch Control will also help accelerate adoption of video-enabled unified communications by making it easy and seamless for users to launch video calls within the leading unified communications applications of Polycom Open Collaboration Network partners. "Simplifying the user experience is a key differentiator for Polycom and one that we are leading in a number of ways, from video-enabling applications people use every day like Microsoft Outlook, to delivering a more intuitive interface like the Polycom Touch Control," said Joe Sigrist, senior vice president and general manager of visual communications at Polycom.

Availability
The Polycom Touch Control is planned for availability in Q4 2010.